DASSAULT SYSTEMES CAMPUS External landscaping

Dassault Systèmes Group Headquarters

Concept

The headquarters of Dassault Systems, located on the edge of the Forest of Meudon in the commune of Vélizy-Villacoublay, occupies four buildings organised as a campus around a central park. The complex is designed to blend harmoniously with its semi-urban context and respects the human scale of the neighbourhood.

Arte Charpentier delivered the second phase of the scheme, the Metal Building, in 2017.

Program

The composition of the scheme is organised along two main axes. The central promenade running from north to south is accompanied by a linear reflecting pool. Five small pavilions set into the landscape and partly concealed by the vegetation are placed at intervals along the route and offer places for informal working and meetings. Perpendicular to this, in an east-west direction facing the forest, a swathe of blue flowers flows in and around grassy hillocks planted with lines of trees in autumnal shades. Wildflower meadows complete this living, natural landscape.

The external landscaping and architecture both contribute towards ensuring the best conditions for a working environment. Pedestrian routes make access to all parts of the site easy and pleasant, and the flexibly-designed offices benefit from broad views over the campus and gardens. Roof gardens occupy the upper storeys.

– Additional: Provision of a waterproof membrane in the underground car parking area to collect rainwater run-off from surfaces including the roof, and allow them to filter into the permeable, sandy soil. The green areas are maintained without the use of harmful chemicals.